The use of microbial inoculants in winter cereals: Improving crop resistance to diseases and pests by enhancing soil and plant health

Microorganisms form important symbioses in the soil. They are indispensable in any cultivation system. To make a crop more resistant to diseases and pests, inoculants containing microorganisms can be applied. There is already a great deal of knowledge about microbial inoculants, but the scientific basis for them is lacking. This exploratory trial was a first step in Flanders (Belgium) to focus attention on the application of microbial inoculants.